The Mary Jane is now all grown up. But is was not always so. This style of shoe was originally called the Bar Shoe – denoting the bar across the top of the foot. In the early 20th-century it was renamed the Mary Jane, due to the association with the characterisation in the Buster Brown comic strip, Mary Jane. And the rest is fashion history.
Image | Twiggy for Mary Quant, captured on Kings Road, London, in 1966.
What is The Mary Jane?
What is in a style? Originally crafted from leather they became an instant success. The classic round toe with a single strap that crossed the instep, gave a graceful look to the foot. The Mary Jane was a piece that were practical and comfortable, and became the signature shoe for school wear.
Today, they have grown up to be the darling of fashion for their versatility, grace and style. They are beautifully elegant in a classic Ballet flat design or can elevate an outfit with a low or high heel detail. The Mary Jane is a timeless fashion silhouette.
THE REGAL RED
Aeyde Aline Mary Jane
Something in regal red. The Aline Velvet Mary Jane is crafted in luxurious velvet with a pump heel and sloped, squared toes. Beautifully made in Italy.
Coveted | Red Velvet.
Images | Aeyde
A TWO-TONED BEAUTY
Carel Paris Cherry Mary Jane
The Cherry V-Shaped rounded heel is a variation on the Carel iconic Alice design. It features double adjustable straps, with leather and patent detail. Handmade in Italy – of all leather craftsmanship.
Coveted | Beige Leather & White Patent Toe.
Images | Carel France
THE VENETIAN SLIPPER
Cayumus Boheme Beige Scuro By Café Leandra
Cayumas’ Friulane are the real Venetian slippers. Made in artisan workshops, this shoe is characterised by being made of natural silk by Café Leandra. Handmade in Italy, they are the ultimate in footwear luxury.
Coveted | Beige.
Images | Cayumus
AN ELEGANT SQUARE TOE
Edward Meller The Celina Mary Jane
By Filippo Raphael for Edward Meller the Celina in Ruby showcases a square toe and pump heel. Pair with jeans, skirts or dresses to elevate a style. Available in Black.
Coveted | Ruby Patent.
Images | Edward Meller
THE CLASSIC STYLE
LK Bennett Camille Mary Jane
An update on a classic style, crafted in Spanish leather. Featuring a pointed toe in taupe patent leather, the Mary Jane styling with a round gold buckle and a tall stiletto high heel. Made in Spain.
Coveted | Taupe Patent.
Images | LK Bennett
INSPIRED BY BALLET
Larroudé Blair Ballet Mary Jane
A new classic with modern detail. The Blair Ballet in a radiant silver leather will shine brightly day or night. Handmade in Brazil from Specchio leather.
Coveted | Silver Specchio.
Images | Larroudé
THE LUXURY OF SUEDE
Le Monde Béryl Ballet Mary Jane
Made in Italy from lambskin, the Ballet Mary Jane in Chocolate with a front buckle is a timeless style. Combines a classic shape with luxurious suede.
Coveted | Chocolate Suede.
Images | Le Monde Béryl
AN UPDATED CLASSIC
LOQ Ema Mary Jane
Made in Spain, the Ema is a modern Mary Jane design. Featuring a classic silver buckle with an updated round heel in black embossed crocodile-motif leather.
Coveted | Black Patent Croc.
Images | LOQ
FEMININE IN NAPPA
Marguax The Mary Jane
A feminine flat, The Mary Jane is detailed in a Nappa upper with leather lining. It features the label’s signature pointed toe. Crafted and handmade in Spain for sheer footwear luxury.
Coveted | Rosemary Nappa.
Images | Marguax
The Mary Jane is all grown up. It is just a matter of deciding if you wish to style in a flat or a heel. Perhaps, begin with one and start curating a collection.
More To Read
If you enjoyed this Style And Grace story discover New Ideas – For New Seasons; On Vacation – Grace and Beauty; La Bella Vita – An Italian Story; Heels Or Flats – A Tale Of Shoes; A Classic Heritage – The Luxe Layers; Beautiful Bags – To Travel In Style, or A Life To Love – Jacqueline Nelson. They are all beautiful reads.
